Eye Inflammation - what should I do?

[Sarah50]

One of my eyes has a bump on it (lower, inner eye area) - it started out being itchy and red (mostly red inside eye and tip of bump). I first thought it was a sty as I had them as a kid. But I know eye inflammation can happen with Crohn's. I have let it go the past week because everyday it seemed to be getting better. But it's been a week and it hasn't gone away yet. I guess I should see my eye doctor?

Anyone else have anything like this and if so, how is it treated?

Thanks!

 

[Jim (POPS)]

I would make sure and call your Dr. if left unchecked it could give you a problum. Take the time to call just to make sure. Sometimes people do have issues with there eyes with crohns.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

My ophthalmologist says inflammation in the eye from crohns is an emergency. I'd get to a doctor right away. You may need steroid drops.

 

[Sarah50]

Oh wow, Noguts - thank you! I've had it for a week now. I'll go tomorrow. :/

 

[nogutsnoglory]

No problem. I don't meant to scare you, it's just that my ophthalmologist said to me "if you have inflammation in your eye call me right away, I don't care if its Saturday night" it needs to be taken care of.

Make sure you see an ophthalmologist not just an optometrist.

 

[Sarah50]

I had a feeling I should've gone when it first came on... but kept thinking it was no biggie. Ugh! I will definitely go see an ophthalmologist. Thanks, again.

 

[CrohnsChicago]

Yes, always take eye conditions seriously when you have crohn's.

It is common to develop eye problems with this condition and if left untreated too long they can develop into more damaging and permanent problems.

Even if you can't get in to see an opthamologist, a local eye doctor should be able to see you as an emergency (I know Pearle Vision does emergency appointments as I have used them before when I first came down with uveitis, which is an eye condition commonly linked to crohn's). They may be able to prescribe you something temporarily until you can get in to see a specialist (Opthamologist)

Hoping its nothing serious for you. Let us know how your appointment goes :hug:

 

[Mables3]

Hey Sarah, definitely get it checked. I was dx w/iritis first and I only had a blurry spot in my right eye. I let it go too long and I can tell that eye is not as strong. I had no idea I had a problem. The second time, I looked like I had pink eye. One eye for me always is worse. Eye inflammation can be different for everyone and even feel and look different at various times. I was told not to mess with it and call the doctor right away. I get steroid drops for a while, but it usually means my Crohns is flaring. Hope it's nothing.

 

[PVail]

Hey Sarah
When im flaring I get a very red eye, usually my left for some reason . I also get headaches on the same side. I find that this lasts for two weeks and I ve had this many times. i spoke to a nurse and she just said it was a outward sign of a problem ( no kidding I said ) . Anyway I found each time it went away without any extra meds . But it is very important that you report ANY change especially a new one to your Doctor. let them make the decision. Hope you get it sorted soon.

Peter

 

[Sarah50]

Hey Sarah
When im flaring I get a very red eye, usually my left for some reason . I also get headaches on the same side. I find that this lasts for two weeks and I ve had this many times. i spoke to a nurse and she just said it was a outward sign of a problem ( no kidding I said ) . Anyway I found each time it went away without any extra meds . But it is very important that you report ANY change especially a new one to your Doctor. let them make the decision. Hope you get it sorted soon.

Peter

I have an appointment tomorrow with an opthamoligist. I have no signs of being in a flare so I'm hoping everything is 'ok' inside. Fortunately, my regular doctor is going to let me do the calprotectin test this week so I hope that tells if I have any inflammation going on in my intestines, even with no symptoms.


Thanks for the info, it's good to hear what others experience, especially since this is new to me.

 

[PVail]

I have an appointment tomorrow with an opthamoligist. I have no signs of being in a flare so I'm hoping everything is 'ok' inside. Fortunately, my regular doctor is going to let me do the calprotectin test this week so I hope that tells if I have any inflammation going on in my intestines, even with no symptoms.


Thanks for the info, it's good to hear what others experience, especially since this is new to me.

By the way Sarah I had the Calprotectin test done and it didnt show any inflammation. I am of the thinking that if they monitor bloods and scans over a period of time as well as you monitoring any other changes there is a better chance of finding out the cause.
best of luck
Peter

 

[Sarah50]

I went to the ophthalmologist today and he said I had a "clogged meibomian gland" and it has nothing to do with Crohn's disease. It's similar to a sty or maybe even what causes a sty (which I got every now and then as a kid).

This is what I found when I googled it: "When the oil-producing glands are blocked, the layer of tears on the eye's surface quickly evaporates, especially if you are outdoors, in low humidity or spending lots of time looking at a computer screen. The resulting symptoms can include dry, burning, itchy or gritty eyes and blurry vision."

He told me to clean it with a Q-tip with baby shampoo and then prescribed an antibiotic cream to put on it. I'm just glad it wasn't anything serious since I waited a week before going!

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Well I'm glad it wasn't anything serious but definitely worth getting it checked out.

 

[Sarah50]

Well I'm glad it wasn't anything serious but definitely worth getting it checked out.

Thanks, Noguts! And you're absolutely right about getting things like eye inflammation checked out right away! :ybatty: